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Do community volunteer work in Kenya and work with a group of teenagers your age to help disadvantaged children learn through play. You’ll do this by organising fun and educational activities. You’ll also take part in basic renovation work. Something as simple as a new coat of paint can brighten the whole classroom environment. This is a great way to get practical experience, and give back at the same time.

Many care centres in Kenya are overcrowded and under-resourced. This makes it more difficult for teachers to monitor children’s progress and spend time with those who need more help. You’ll keep the children entertained and focused on different activities, allowing the teacher to work with students who are struggling.

You’ll live and work in Nanyuki, and stay with a local host family. We’ll teach you about the local culture through events and activities in the evening, and we organise a weekend trip for your group. You’ll also have Projects Abroad staff with you at all times. Seize the opportunity to make some incredible memories!

High School Specials > Kenya > Childcare & Community Work

Total

When you apply you only pay $295, which comes off the total price.

Looking to do more than one project? Call us on (+1) 212 244 7234 to see if we can offer a discount.

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Project Overview

Trip Format:

High School Specials -
Hassle-free, pre-planned trips for 15-18 year olds that help you step out of your comfort zone

Personalized MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination

A free cultural awareness course

Organized weekend tourism trips

Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

Dedicated full-time staff members with you 24 hours a day

What's not included?

Flights

Visa costs (where applicable)

Is childcare volunteering in Kenya for teenagers right for me?

Are you a high school student? Do you enjoy working with children? Do you want to make a positive impact while experiencing a different culture? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the ideal project for you.

You’ll split your time between organising educational classroom activities, and light renovation work. It’s a great way to gain childcare experience, and boost your CV. You’ll also learn important skills such as communication, teamwork, and planning. These skills can be applied to any career you pursue.

We know that travelling by yourself to a different country can be scary. But don’t worry, you’re in good hands! Projects Abroad staff are with you constantly to make sure you have everything you need. Our host families will make you feel right at home. The project is also fully supervised, so you won’t be left alone.

What will I do on this project?

Here are just some of the activities you can get involved in on this Childcare & Community High School Special:

Organise fun, educational activities for children to encourage learning through play

Take part in basic renovation work, like painting a classroom or playground equipment

Experience the local culture with fellow volunteers your own age

Your work will focus on the following main tasks:

Organise fun, educational activities for children

Learning through play is a great way for children to reach their development milestones while still having fun. You can organise arts and crafts activities, teaching the kids colours and shapes. Or set up an outdoor game, where they can work on their hand-eye coordination. Local teachers and Projects Abroad staff will be there to give you ideas and advice for activities.

Take part in basic renovation work

Many of the buildings where the children learn and play are in need of some TLC. Working as a team, you and your fellow volunteers will take part in basic renovation work. This may involve giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, or designing an educational mural. A bright, welcoming educational environment can really make a big difference!

Experience the local culture with fellow volunteers

Kenya is a vibrant, scenic country with so much to offer visitors. We want to make sure you get the most out of your time abroad. You’ll take part in an amazing weekend trip to a local game park, which includes a safari. We also organise regular social events during the week. This gives you the chance to hang out with the other teenage volunteers while learning about the local culture. Throughout it all, Projects Abroad staff will be by your side.

Where in Kenya will I work?

Nanyuki

You will be based in the town of Nanyuki. While Nanyuki is a small town, it has all the basic conveniences that you might need. These include restaurants, banks, and grocery stores. It is also surrounded by a number of national parks and animal sanctuaries.

You’ll work at a government-run primary school in a disadvantaged area, as well as a day care centre for children with disabilities. This centre looks after these children while their parents are at work, so that they don’t have to stay at home all day. It also provides skills training for adults with disabilities, in order to improve their earning potential and quality of life.

What are the aims and impact of this project?

The main aim of this project is to provide extra support to children and staff at under-resourced care centres.

Many centres in Kenya that care for children are overcrowded. This means that teachers can’t provide children with the specialised attention that they need to thrive. In particular, this affects those with learning difficulties or those who have fallen behind in certain skill areas, such as literacy.

Furthermore, a lack of resources means that it can be difficult to make the learning process fun and engaging for young students. Some of the buildings themselves are in need of care, which means that the educational environment is not very stimulating or comfortable.

As a volunteer, you will help to address these issues, working alongside other teenagers from all over the world. You’ll act as a pair of extra helping hands for local teachers. This means they are able to better monitor the progress of the children, and spend time addressing struggle areas. Through basic renovation work, you’ll also help to make the learning environment a brighter and more welcoming space.

Join us on this Childcare & Community High School Special and help to support the education of local children.

I had always been interested in volunteering abroad, as travelling had opened my eyes to see what is really out there in the world. I decided to look up organisations that would allow me to go on such a mission with the best safety and care while on my trip. My parents weren’t very certain at first about letting me go on my own at the age of 17 to Africa, but after reading through continuous satisfactory reviews for Projects Abroad, we were certain that this organisation was the perfect choice for my trip.

Volunteer review

From the minute I arrived at the lodge, surrounded on three sides by dense jungle, and on the fourth, a huge piranha-packed
river, I knew that my stay here would be unforgettable.

From the minute I arrived at the lodge, surrounded on three sides by dense jungle, and on the fourth, a huge piranha-packed
river, I knew that my stay here would be unforgettable.

From the minute I arrived at the lodge, surrounded on three sides by dense jungle, and on the fourth, a huge piranha-packed
river, I knew that my stay here would be unforgettable.

Management Plans

We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.

Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.

Measuring Our Impact

Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

You'll stay with a host family in Nanyuki. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Kenya and have a truly unique experience.

We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Meet the team in Kenya

Carol joined Projects Abroad in May 2013 as the Medical Coordinator for Kenya. She studied medical laboratory science and in her free time she enjoys dancing, travelling and making new friends.

Meet the team in Kenya

Peter Mugwe

Peter joined Projects Abroad as Volunteer & Sports Project Coordinator in August 2014. He was born and raised in Nairobi and will be one of the first staff members volunteers will meet when arriving in Kenya. Peter enjoys travelling, listening to music, watching football and meeting new people.

Meet the team in Kenya

Dennis Gakara Kamau

Dennis joined Projects Abroad in March 2015. He is responsible for overseeing the Care and Teaching projects in Nanyuki, Kenya. Dennis is an outdoor person and loves seeing new things! His hobbies include playing soccer, badminton and table tennis. He also loves reading and travelling, especially on safari!

Meet the team in Kenya

Tonny Kipkurui

Conservation Manager

Tonny joined Projects Abroad in June 2012. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and is currently pursuing his Masters in Conservation Biology. He started his career in conservation and wildlife research ten years ago and worked and volunteered with Kenya Wildlife Service Research Department in the Masai Mara. When he is not immersed in his work, he enjoys meeting new people.

Meet the team in Kenya

Charles Matankory

Conservation Coordinator

Charles joined Projects Abroad in May 2014, bringing in vast knowledge and over 15 years of experience in conservation. He has previously worked with international organisations including the World Wide Fund for Nature. In his free time he loves listening to music and bird watching.

Meet the team in Kenya

Jurine Freeman

Volunteer Advisor

Jurine was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa; in 2004, she studied tourism management and human resource development at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She joined the Projects Abroad team in February 2016. Her tips for new volunteers: always keep an open mind as it takes great courage to step out of one’s comfort zone. In her spare time, she enjoys winetasting, watching movies and series, and keeping fit with her daily workouts.

Meet the team in Kenya

Gabriela Estrada

Volunteer Advisor

Gabriela was born in Guadalajara, she has a degree in Foreign Languages. She has worked as an English teacher and translator for several years and she joined the Projects Abroad team in 2016. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and cultural events. Gabriela has had the opportunity to travel through South America and Western Europe.

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